11 am: Even if exploring ancient fortresses isn't your thing, make Edinburgh Castle your first sightseeing stop. The castle sits on top of a long-extinct volcano overlooking the whole city, so it's a good way to orient yourself to the medieval Old Town's winding lanes and the Georgian New Town's symmetrical streets. The castle makes for a dramatic backdrop to Edinburgh's Military Tattoo (pictured), also in August (tartan blankets mandatory), as well as the huge fireworks display on September 6 that marks the end of the festival and the city's return to a more sedate and sober fall.